Jaime and Claire may have a new challenge in their relationship in "Outlander" season 5.
(Photo: OutlanderTVSeries/Facebook)

Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan's beloved Outlander characters, Claire and Jamie Fraser, are set for new challenges in the upcoming fifth season. However, there are speculations that the actors could be preparing for an exit as new stories are taking shape in the series.

According to Metro, Outlander author Diana Gabaldon has new ideas for a story featuring Master Raymond (played by Dominique Pinon), who was last seen in Outlander season 2. He was a minor character in the mother series but has significance as Claire's ancestor and he's also a time traveler.

Gabaldon stated that Claire and Jamie will be in the new stories she's working on. However, the historical fantasy author also said that its release is still far along.

Regardless, speculations have risen over a potential spin-off that will see the show's main stars leaving Outlander even as Starz hasn't confirmed that there could be another TV series. At the moment, however, Balfe and Heughan are focused on wrapping up work for Outlander season 5.

Starz has also not yet confirmed when Outlander season 5 will premiere. Production started last April and will likely be done this summer, which will be followed by a few more months of post-production and editing.

According to Screen Rant, Outlander season 5 might not have a fall premiere given the production schedule. Speculations are that the series will be back on the air by late winter or early spring in 2020.

Meanwhile, the network has renewed Outlander for a sixth season several months ahead of the fifth season premiere. As with Outlander season 5, this installment will also have 12 episodes and will still star Balfe and Heughan. Thus, their speculated exit might be a long time coming, if at all.

"Fans can rest assured their beloved Claire and Jamie will be back facing new challenges, adversaries and adventures in seasons five and six as we delve into American history and continue the story of the Frasers as they settle in the New World," Chris Albrecht, the Starz CEO, confirmed in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Outlander season 5 will bring closure to the old world as the Frasers settle into their new world. However, a lot of new events and new experiences will pull this family together as challenges come one after the other.

This season will be based on Gabaldon's fifth book "The Fiery Cross." However, the show will not follow the story in the books to the very letter. So, expect some twists and surprises that will shock even the book readers.